Go Back
- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter) - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) In this recipe, we use rolled oats as the base. They provide great texture and a chewy bite. Pecan nuts add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. You can choose almond butter or any nut butter you like. The pure maple syrup gives a rich sweetness, while the honey or agave syrup adds more depth. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor. Ground cinnamon gives a warm touch, and salt balances the sweetness. Dried cranberries add a fruity burst, and dark chocolate chips, if you choose to use them, make a tasty addition. This mix provides a powerful snack that is also nutritious. You can find the full recipe above for step-by-step guidance on preparing these delicious bars. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8-inch square baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift your bars out later. 2. In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats and chopped pecans. Stir them well, ensuring they blend nicely. 3. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, honey (or agave syrup), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Heat this mixture in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds. Stir until it becomes smooth and well mixed. 4. Pour the warm nut butter mixture over the oat and pecan mix. Stir it all together. Make sure every bit of the dry mix gets coated. 5. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips, if you’re using them. Ensure they spread evenly throughout the mixture. 6. Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly. Aim for an even layer. 7. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Look for the edges to turn golden brown. 8. Once baked, take the dish out and let it cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan. After that, lift the granola out using the parchment paper. Move it to a wire rack and let it cool completely. 9. For cutting the bars, use a sharp knife. Dampen the knife with water to prevent sticking. Cut them into your desired size. 10. For a nice touch, wrap each bar in parchment paper and tie it with twine. This makes them look great for gifts or easy snacks on the go. For the full recipe, check out the Maple Pecan Granola Bars section. Enjoy your delicious and healthy snack! To get the best texture for your granola bars, press the mixture down firmly. This step is key. If you don’t press it well, the bars may crumble. Use a spatula or your hands to pack it tight. Baking time is also important. Bake your bars for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want the edges to turn golden brown. This ensures a nice crunch while keeping the center chewy. You can switch up the nut butter in this recipe. Almond butter works great, but peanut butter or sunflower seed butter are good too. Each choice gives your bars a unique taste. Mix-ins add fun and flavor. Try using dried fruits like raisins or apricots. You can also add seeds like chia or pumpkin seeds. These changes make every batch special and personal. Spices and extracts can bring new flavors to your bars. Adding a dash of nutmeg or ginger gives a warm taste. Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness without added sugar. For a sweet finish, drizzle melted chocolate or honey on top. This adds a lovely touch and makes the bars even more delicious. You can find the full recipe above for more details on making these tasty treats. {{image_4}} You can make these bars vegan with easy swaps. Use agave syrup instead of honey. This keeps the sweet taste while staying plant-based. Almond butter is a great choice, but other nut butters work too. For a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter. It gives a similar flavor and texture. If you need a nut-free version, you can replace the nut butter. Use sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter instead. These options keep the bars creamy and tasty. You can also add seeds for crunch. Consider using pumpkin seeds or chia seeds. They add healthy fats and protein, making your snack even better. Want to mix things up? Try a s'mores variation! Add mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers for a sweet twist. You can also create a tropical fruit twist. Add dried pineapple or coconut flakes for a fun and fruity flavor. These changes keep your granola bars exciting and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the section above! To keep your Maple Pecan Granola Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from making them stale. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work well. You can also wrap the bars in parchment paper before placing them in the container. This adds another layer of protection. For added freshness, keep the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources. These conditions help maintain the bars' taste and texture. The longer they stay fresh, the more you can enjoy them. Freezing granola bars is a great way to extend their life. To freeze, first cut the bars into individual pieces. Then, wrap each bar in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you want to eat them, take the bars out of the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps restore their chewy texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them for a few seconds to thaw. When stored properly, these granola bars can last up to two weeks at room temperature. Look for signs of spoilage to ensure they are still good. If you see mold or a change in color, it’s best to throw them away. If the bars start to smell off or taste stale, that’s another sign they have gone bad. Always check before you snack. Enjoy your Maple Pecan Granola Bars knowing you have stored them correctly! Homemade granola bars last about one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can also refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just wrap them well before freezing. Yes, you can use quick oats. They will change the texture a bit. Quick oats absorb liquid faster, making the bars softer. If you want a firmer bar, use rolled oats. You might want to reduce the baking time slightly if you use quick oats. You can try many mix-ins for fun flavors and textures. Here are some ideas: - Chopped almonds or walnuts - Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds - Dried apricots or raisins - Coconut flakes - Peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips Mix and match to find your favorite combination! Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free. Just use gluten-free oats. Check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free. You can also choose a gluten-free nut butter. Always check for hidden gluten in other ingredients, like sweeteners. This way, you can enjoy a tasty snack without gluten! You learned how to make tasty granola bars with simple steps and ingredients. We covered drying, baking, and storage tips, so your bars stay fresh. You can customize flavors and even create nut-free options. Whether you're making these for yourself or to share, these bars fit many diets. Enjoy your cooking and have fun with different flavors! With practice, you’ll perfect your own granola bar recipe. Happy baking!

Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Discover the perfect blend of crunchy and sweet with these delicious Maple Pecan Granola Bars! Made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, pecans, and maple syrup, these bars are not only easy to make but also a nutritious snack for any time of day. Follow our simple recipe to whip up a batch that your family will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and get inspired to create your own tasty treats!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup honey or agave syrup (for a vegan alternative)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries (or your favorite dried fruits)

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch square baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and chopped pecans. Stir them together thoroughly until they are evenly mixed.

      In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, honey (or agave syrup), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Microwave this mixture for 30-45 seconds, or until it is warm enough to blend smoothly. Stir well until all ingredients are combined into a smooth mixture.

        Pour the warm nut butter mixture over the oat and pecan blend. Stir vigorously to ensure all dry ingredients are fully coated with the mixture.

          Gently fold in the dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips (if using), making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the granola mixture.

            Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands (with dampened fingers to avoid sticking), press the mixture down firmly and evenly to form a compact layer.

              Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

                Remove the dish from the oven and allow the granola bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift them out and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Once fully cooled, cut the granola into bars of your preferred size and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: For a delightful touch, wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie them with twine for a rustic presentation, perfect for gifts or snacks on the go.